| 2 Hadiths


Hadith
2587
 ‘Aamir narrated:
I heard Al-Nu‘maan ibn Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) on the pulpit saying, "My father gave me a gift but ‘Amrah bint Rawaahah (my mother) said that she would not agree to it unless he made Allah's Messengerﷺ as a witness to it. So, my father went to Allah's Messengerﷺ and said, 'I have given a gift to my son from ‘Amrah bint Rawaahah, but she ordered me to make you as a witness to it, O Allah's Messengerﷺ!' Allah's Messenger ﷺ asked, 'Have you given (the like of it) to everyone of your children?' He replied in the negative. Allah's Messengerﷺ said, ‘Fear Allah, and be just to all your children (i.e., treat them all on an equal footing).' My father then returned and took back his gift."
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Commentary :
Every guardian is enjoined to be fair and treat those under his care on an equal footing. A father is a guardian and he is responsible for those under his care, i.e., his wife and children, and establishing the enjoined equality between them entails that he should not favor any of his children over the others in terms of gift-giving, giving some and denying the others.
In this hadeeth, Al-Nu‘maan ibn Basheer Al-Ansaaree (may Allah be pleased with him) related that his father Basheer gave him a gift, which was a male servant. His mother Umm Al-Nu‘maan had asked his father for that servant, as recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim. ‘Amrah bint Rawaahah, his mother, (may Allah be pleased with her) said to her husband that she would not agree to such a gift unless he made Allah's Messengerﷺ as a witness to it, aiming to make it binding. So, Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) went to Allah's Messengerﷺ and related to him the matter and that his wife ordered him to make the Prophet ﷺ as a witness to it. He ﷺ asked him, “Have you given (the like of it) to everyone of your children?” He (may Allah be pleased with him) replied in the negative. Allah's Messengerﷺ said, 'Fear Allah, and be just to all your children (i.e., treat them all on an equal footing).' The aim of such a command was to foster mutual accord and affection between siblings, eliminating the causes of discord and hatred, and helping them show the enjoined dutifulness towards their father. Basheer (may Allah be pleased with him) obeyed the Prophet’s ﷺcommand, returned, and took back his gift to establish equality between all his children.
The hadeeth urges parents to establish equality between children in terms of gift-giving.
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2590
Asmaa’ (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
Once I said, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! I have no property except what has been given to me by Al-Zubayr (i.e., her husband). May I give in charity therefrom?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "Give in charity and do not withhold it; otherwise Allah, Exalted is He, will withhold it back from you . "
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Commentary : A wife is entrusted with her husband’s wealth and she shall be held accountable by Allah, Exalted is He, for it. It is incumbent on her to preserve his wealth, take care of it, take from it what she needs only (without excess or waste), and spend from it reasonably.
In this hadeeth Asmaa’ bint Aboo Bakr Al-Siddeeq (may Allah be pleased with them) relates that she once said to the Prophet ﷺ, "O Allah's Messengerﷺ! I have no property except what has been given to me by Al-Zubayr ibn Al-‘Awwaam (i.e., her husband),” meaning he gave her to spend therefrom on the household needs. She (may Allah be pleased with her) added: “May I give in charity therefrom?" The Prophet ﷺ said, "Give in charity and do not withhold it; otherwise Allah, Exalted is He, will withhold it back from you.” The Prophet’s ﷺstatement means, ‘Do not withhold wealth, but rather spend in charity, for withholding wealth may be a cause for being deprived of having it blessed and increased by Allah, Exalted is He. Another version of the hadeeth recorded by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim reads: “Spend according to your means,” meaning spend therefrom reasonably as long as you afford it, even if you can only give very little in charity, and do not hoard wealth and refrain from spending in charity, fearing that your wealth might be exhausted, lest you would be deprived of a blessed Rizq (i.e., provisions).
The Prophet ﷺ may have commanded her to do so and did not ask her to seek her husband’s permission because he ﷺ knew of the leniency of Al-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him) for which he was known. It is allowable for a wife to spend reasonably from her husband’s wealth (without his knowledge) as long as she knows that he would approve of such disposal of his wealth, that he would not dislike such an act, that she habitually does so and he approves of it, or when she spends in charity small amounts that do not affect the affordability of supporting their dependents, and she would not exceed the proper limits nor aim to waste his wealth. It was narrated on the authority of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet ﷺ said: “When a woman gives some of the food in her house (in charity without her husband’s prior knowledge), not wasting it, she will have her reward for what she has given and her husband will have his for what he earned. The same applies to a storekeeper; in no respect does the one diminishe the reward of the other.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].
It is deduced from the hadeeth that spending in charity is a reason for having one’s wealth blessed and increased, and that generosity begets abundant Rizq (i.e., provisions).
It is also inferred therefrom that stinginess and withholding from giving (charity), especially the obligatory Zakaah, incurs the loss and ruin of wealth.
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2592
Kurayb, the free slave of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them), narrated that Maymoonah bint Al-Haarith (may Allah be pleased with her) told him that she manumitted a slave-girl without taking the permission of the Prophet ﷺ. On the day when it was her turn to be with the Prophet ﷺ, she said, "Do you know, O Allah's Messengerﷺ, that I have manumitted my slave-girl?" He ﷺ said, "Have you really?" She (may Allah be pleased with her) replied in the affirmative. He ﷺ said, "You would have got more reward if you had given her (i.e., the slave-girl) to one of your maternal uncles."
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Commentary :
Spending in charity is one of the best acts of righteousness, and there are numerous channels of giving and spending in charity.Some should be given precedence over the others depending on the situation and circumstances. Charity offered to one’s relatives is better and more rewardable.
In this hadeeth, the Mother of the Believers Maymoonah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that she manumitted a slave-girl without taking the permission of the Prophet ﷺ. She (may Allah be pleased with her) owned this slave-girl, and being a sane adult, her disposal of her own property is valid as per the laws of Islam with no need for her husband’s prior consent. On the other hand, she (may Allah be pleased with her) had known that the Prophet ﷺ would not disapprove of her disposal, and that he ﷺ would even like such act, which did not constitute a violation of the proper conduct of a woman towards her husband in Islam.
On the day when it was her turn to spend the night with the Prophet ﷺ, she said, "Do you know, O Allah's Messengerﷺ,that I have manumitted my slave-girl?" He ﷺ said, "Have you really?" She (may Allah be pleased with her) replied in the affirmative. He ﷺ said, "You would have got more reward if you had given her (i.e., the slave-girl) to one of your maternal uncles,” meaning that it would have been better and more rewardable to give this slave-girl to her maternal uncles to serve them, since they needed a servant, than manumitting her. Her maternal relatives belonged to Banee Hilaal and her mother’s name was Hind bint ‘Awf ibn Zuhayr Al-Haarith (may Allah be pleased with them).
The hadeeth urges Muslims to uphold ties of kinship, and underlines the abundant reward designated for such a worshipful act..

2606
Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Allah's Messengerﷺ owed a man some debt (and that man demanded it very harshly). The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) wanted to harm him, but the Prophet ﷺ said to them, "Leave him (unharmed); one who has a right is entitled to speak (i.e., claim his right)." He ﷺ then added, "Buy (a camel) of the same age and give it to him." They (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "We cannot get except a camel of an older age than that of his." He ﷺ said, "Buy it and give it to him, as the best amongst you is he who pays back his debt in the most handsome way.”
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Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ was a merciful teacher, a gentle educator, and a kind mentor. Whenever he ﷺ witnessed someone’s mistake, he ﷺ would not harshly reprimand, rebuke, or alienate the doer, and whenever he ﷺ witnessed something right, he ﷺ would praise and laud it, and reward the doer handsomely.
In this hadeeth, It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messengerﷺ owed a man some debt (and that man demanded it very harshly). The creditor was discourteous and impolite in demanding the repayment of the debt, as reported in the version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) wanted to harm him verbally or physically, but they refrained from doing so out of politeness towards the Prophet ﷺ, and he said to them, "Leave him (unharmed);” and this mirrored the Prophet’s ﷺgood moral character, kindness, and endurance of people’s harshness despite his ability to retaliate against him, “the one who has a right is entitled to speak (i.e., claim his right)." This means that Allah, Exalted is He, deems it allowable for a person to claim his rights, be he a creditor, landlord, or worker, provided that he does not infringe upon people’s rights. The unpaid debt was a camel. The Prophet ﷺ then added, "Buy (a camel) of the same age and give it to him." The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) could not get except an older, better, and more valuable camel than that of the man. The Prophet ﷺ commanded them to give it to him to repay the debt handsomely. He ﷺ explained the reason for giving him an older, better, and more valuable camel by saying, "the best amongst you is he who pays back his debt in the most handsome way.”
This means that the best of people is the one who is the kindest to others, and fulfills people’s rights, by the repayment of debts or other rights.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that one may delegate another person to repay his debts.
It is also inferred therefrom that one may loan an animal to someone.
It also deduced that whoever owes a debt or is liable to any other financial rights, should repay the debts or fulfill them handsomely.
It is also inferred that a debtor should endure the harshness of a creditor when claiming his rights..

2613
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
Once the Prophet ﷺ went to the house of Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) but did not enter it. ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) came and she told him about that. When ‘Alee asked the Prophet ﷺ about it, he ﷺ said, "I saw a (multicolored) decorated curtain on her door. I am not interested in worldly pleasures." ‘Alee went to Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with them) and told her about it. Faatimah said, "I am ready to dispense with it in the way he ﷺ suggests." The Prophet ﷺ ordered her to send it to such-and-such needy people.
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Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ was led the most ascetic life and renounced the worldly pleasures, because he ﷺ knew well the essence and true nature of the fleeting worldly life. This worldly life is a short-lived phase during which a Muslim should perform as many worshipful acts and good deeds as possible, to taste eternal bliss in Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ keenly instilled these meanings within the hearts and minds of his family and Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
In this hadeeth, ‘Abadullaah Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ went once to the house of Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) but did not enter it. ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) came and found her concerned and distressed. He (may Allah be pleased with him) asked her about it and she (may Allah be pleased with her) told him of what the Prophet ﷺ did. When ‘Alee asked the Prophet ﷺ about it, he ﷺ informed him of the reason for not entering their house: that they had a (multicolored) decorated curtain on the door. The Prophet ﷺ disliked the use of such a curtain merely because it contradicts the lauded asceticism; it is neither unlawful nor disliked to use curtains on the doors as per the laws of Islam. However, the Prophet ﷺ merely disliked it because it was multicolored and decorated, i.e., luxurious, and he ﷺ renounced such worldly pleasures. He ﷺ remarked: “I am not interested in worldly pleasures," meaning that he ﷺ did not like or pursue such worldly luxuries. He ﷺ only sought after the Hereafter, and disliked for his own beloved daughter what he ﷺ disliked for himself, namely, enjoying such luxuries and pleasures in the worldly life.
 ‘Alee went to Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with them) and told her about it. Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I am ready to dispense with it in the way he ﷺ suggests." The Prophet ﷺ ordered her to send it to such-and-such needy people, to use it or avail themselves of its price.
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2614
‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺ gave me a silken dress as a gift and I wore it. When I saw the signs of anger on his face, I cut it into pieces and distributed it among my womenfolk.”
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Commentary : Islamic teaching regarding dress code and adornment is clearly defined in the Book of Allah, Exalted is He, and the Sunnah of His Prophet ﷺ. The Islamic Laws of Islam has set general guidelines that must be taken into account regarding men’s and women’s clothing.
In this hadeeth, ‘Alee ibn Aboo Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺgave him a silken garment as a gift. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Hullah, which was a suit of two garments (woven with silk stripes). The Prophet ﷺ had forbidden men from wearing silk. When he ﷺ saw ‘Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) wearing it, anger was written all over his face! When he (may Allah be pleased with him) saw the signs of anger on his face, he cut it into pieces and distributed it among his womenfolk, because he (may Allah be pleased with him) did not take another wife besides Faatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ.
This was further clarified by the version recorded in Saheeh Muslim reading: “Divide it among the Faatimahs (i.e., your womenfolk) to make head covers,” meaning Faatimah, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Faatimah bint Asad, the mother of ‘Alee ibn Aboo Taalib, and Faatimah bint Hamzah ibn ‘Abd Al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with them).
It is inferred from the hadeeth that it is allowable to give gifts from one’s property even if it is prohibited or disliked to wear such a gift, because the owner is entitled to dispose of it by means of sale or gift to whomever he wishes from those who are allowed to wear or use it, like women and young boys in this case.
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2615
Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):
A Jubbah (i.e., cloak) made of thick silken cloth was presented to the Prophet ﷺ, and he used to forbid people to wear silk. So, people were pleased to see it. The Prophet ﷺsaid, "By Him in Whose Hands Muhammad's soul is, the handkerchiefs of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘aadh in Paradise are better than this." Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) added, "The present was sent to the Prophet ﷺ by Ukaydir (a Christian) from Dawmah..

Commentary : The Prophet ﷺ led the most ascetic life and was the keenest in renouncing worldly pleasures, and he ﷺ used to instill these values within his Companions (may Allah be pleased with him), ensuring that their hearts were fixated on and attached to the Hereafter and the eternal bliss prepared by Allah, Exalted is He, for them in Paradise.
In this hadeeth, Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Ukaydir (a Christian Arab ruler) of Dawmah Al-Jandal, a town near Tabook, northern Saudi Arabia, gifted the Prophet ﷺ a Jubbah. This ruler was seized by Khaalid ibn Al-Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was sent by the Prophet ﷺto Tabook in 9 A.H. He (may Allah be pleased with him) killed this Christian ruler’s brother and took him prisoner. The Prophet ﷺ released him on the condition of paying the Jizyah (i.e., head tax on non-Muslim citizens living under the protection of Muslim rule). This ruler gifted the Prophet ﷺ a Jubbah (i.e., cloak) made of thick silken cloth, and it captured the admiration of people. The Prophet ﷺ used to forbid people to wear silk. Since people were pleased to see it, the Prophet ﷺsaid, "By Him in Whose Hands Muhammad's soul is,” a wording that was often used by the Prophet ﷺ when making an oath, “the handkerchiefs of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘aadh in Paradise are better than this." This is a reference to Sa‘d’s least valuable possessions in Paradise, because handkerchiefs – used to clean the hands and remove impurities - are the least possessions a person will be given therein. The least valuable possessions of Sa‘d in Paradise shall be better than this silken Jubbah that they admired much, because the bliss in Paradise will be like what no eyes have ever seen, no ears have ever heard of, and which has never crossed your hearts or minds. Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do.} [Quran 32:17].
The hadeeth highlights the virtues of Sa‘d ibn Mu‘aadh (may Allah be pleased with him) and proves that he shall be admitted to Paradise.
It is also deduced from the hadeeth that the Prophet ﷺ used to accept gifts from non-Muslims..

2617
Narrated Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him):
A Jewess brought a poisoned (cooked) sheep for the Prophet ﷺwho ate from it. She was brought to the Prophet ﷺ and he was asked, "Shall we kill her?" He ﷺ said, "No." I continued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah's Messengerﷺ.
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Commentary :
The Prophet ﷺ was the humblest of all people, and a manifestation of his good moral character was that he ﷺ accepted the gifts offered to him from anyone, even small gifts and even if the gift-giver was a non-Muslim, to win his heart and encourage him to embrace Islam. The Jews took advantage of that when they knew of his graciousness, and tried to kill him by serving him poisonous food.
In this hadeeth, Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that a Jewish woman, named Zaynab bint Al-Haarith, who was married to Salaam ibn Mishkam, gifted the Messenger of Allah ﷺ a poisoned sheep after the battle of Khyber. She cooked the meat for the Prophet ﷺ and put poison in it. The Prophet ﷺ ate from it, but Allah, Exalted is He, protected him from the immediate effects of the poison and he ﷺ did not die. However, the effect of the poison remained in his body. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Icontinued to see the effect of the poison on the palate of the mouth of Allah's Messenger ﷺ.” It seems that the effect of the poison remained visible, in that some black marks or the like could be seen on palate of the mouth of Allah's Messenger ﷺ. This woman was brought to the Prophet ﷺ. The version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Muslim reads: “(When the effects of this poison were felt by him) she was brought to the Prophet ﷺ and he asked her about that, whereupon she said: “I had determined to kill you.” Thereupon he ﷺ said: ‘Allah will never give you the power to do it.’ (It is possible that this was ‘Alee’s statement).”
The Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ permission to kill her, but he ﷺ refused to have her killed on the spot. This is why he ﷺ forbade them from killing her. However, it was authentically reported that she was killed as narrated in Sunan Aboo Daawood. The Prophet ﷺ killed her, or gave her to the guardians of the blood (i.e., ‘Asabah, or blood male relatives from the father's side) of Bishr ibn Al-Baraa’ ibn Ma’roor, who had eaten from it and died; his guardians had the woman killed in Qisaas (i.e., retribution). To reconcile between the two versions of the hadeeth, it could be said that the Prophet ﷺ did not kill her upon knowing of the poison she put in the sheep and refused the companions’ request to kill her, but when Bishr ibn Al-Baraa’ died of this poison, he ﷺ handed her over to his guardians, and they killed her by virtue of Qisaas (i.e., retribution). It is authentically reported that he ﷺ did not kill her immediately and it is also authentically reported that he ﷺ killed her afterward.
The hadeeth highlights the divine protection bestowed upon the Prophet ﷺ; Allah, Exalted is He, Says (what means): {And Allah will protect you from the people.} [Quran 5:67].
It also underlines a miracle with which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was aided, as Allah, Exalted is He, delivered him from the poison that killed others.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to accept gifts from non-Muslims.
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2618
‘Abd Al-Rahmaan ibn Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated:
We were one-hundred and thirty persons accompanying the Prophet ﷺ who asked us whether anyone of us had food. There was a man who had about a Saa‘ of wheat which was mixed with water then. A tall pagan with long matted unkempt hair came driving sheep. The Prophet ﷺ asked him, "Will you sell us (a sheep) or give it as a present?" He said, "I will sell you (a sheep)." The Prophet ﷺbought a sheep and it was slaughtered. He ﷺ ordered that its liver and other abdominal organs be roasted. By Allah, the Prophet ﷺ gave every person of the one-hundred-and-thirty a piece of that; he gave all those of them who were present; and kept the shares of those who were absent. He ﷺthen put its meat in two huge basins and all of them ate to their fill, and even then, more food was left in the two basins which were carried on the camel (or said something like it).
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Commentary :
Allah, Exalted is He, supported His Prophet ﷺ with miracles, and imparted His blessings through him. An example of such a blessing was increasing small quantities of food to suffice large groups of people, by the blessing of the Prophet ﷺ.
In this hadeeth, ‘Abd Al-Rahmaan ibn Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that there were one-hundred and thirty people accompanying the Prophet ﷺ,who asked them whether anyone of them had food. There was a man who had about a Saa‘ of wheat which was mixed with water. A tall pagan with long matted unkempt hair pagan came driving sheep. The Prophet ﷺ asked him, "Will you sell us (a sheep) or give it as a present?" He said, "I will sell you (a sheep)." The Prophet ﷺ bought a sheep and it was slaughtered and cooked. He ﷺ ordered that its liver and other abdominal organs be roasted. ‘Abd Al-Rahmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) swore by Allah, Exalted is He, that the Prophet ﷺ gave every person of the one-hundred-and-thirty a piece of that liver; he gave all those of them who were present; and kept the shares of those who were absent! He ﷺordered the meat to be put in two huge wooden basins and all of them ate to their fill, and even then, more food was left in the two basins which were carried on the camel, and this was a miracle performed by the Prophet ﷺ.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to buy from non-Muslims and accept their gifts.
It is also inferred therefrom that Muslims are urged to share their food whenever necessary.
It is also deduced that a person may swear to confirm his statement, even if he is truthful.
It is also inferred therefrom that it is allowable to buy things from an unknown person until one comes to know of that which entails caution or makes it incumbent to refrain from engaging in business transactions with him, such as usurpation, theft, or their like.
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2620
Asmaa’ bint Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated:
My mother came to me during the lifetime of Allah's Messengerﷺ and she was a pagan. I said to Allah's Messenger (seeking his verdict), "My mother has come to me and she desires to receive a reward from me, shall I keep good relations with her?" The Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes, keep good relation with her.”
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Commentary : Upholding ties of kinship and dutifulness towards parents are among the good manners preached by Islam and instilled in the hearts of Muslims. The enjoined dutifulness and upholding of kinship ties are not exclusive to Muslims, and are also required for non-Muslim relations, especially close relatives such as the parents, siblings, etc.
In this hadeeth, Asmaa’ bint Abee Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that her mother, Qutaylah bint Al-‘Uzzaa, who was a pagan,came to her during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger ﷺ. Another version of the hadeeth recorded in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim reads: “My mother who was a polytheist came to me when he (the Prophet) ﷺ entered into treaty with Quraysh,” meaning in the period between Al-Hudaybiyah Peace Treaty and the conquest of Makkah. Asmaa’ (may Allah be pleased with her) was then married to Al-Zubayr ibn Al-‘Awwaam (may Allah be pleased with him). She (may Allah be pleased with her) sent to Allah's Messenger (seeking his verdict) and told him that her mother wanted to maintain good relations with her and win her heart, since she offered her gifts and aspired to receive a reward or something else from her, but that her mother was not inclined to Islam. She (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet ﷺ as to whether she should keep good relations with her, despite the fact that she held onto disbelief. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Yes, keep good relations with her,” meaning uphold ties of kinship with her despite her disbelief.
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable for a Muslim person to uphold ties of kinship with his non-Muslim relatives.
The hadeeth underlines the merits of Asmaa’ bint Aboo Bakr (may Allah be pleased with them), who keenly sought the Prophet’sﷺ verdict beforehand, and mindfully asked about the relevant religious ruling before acting..

2622
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet ﷺ said, "The bad example is not for us. He who takes back his present is like a dog that swallows back its vomit."
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Commentary :
Taking back gifts is a reprehensible act and awful behavior that contradicts chivalry, and does not conform with a good moral character or sound human nature. Therefore, the Prophet ﷺ warned against it and likened such a deed to the ugliest and most heinous act to alienate Muslims from it.
In this hadeeth, the Prophet ﷺ stated that it is unbecoming of Muslims to approve of or do such an act; he ﷺ said, "The bad example is not for us. He who takes back his present is like a dog that swallows back its vomit.” In this hadeeth, he ﷺ likened the gift-giver who takes back his gift to a dog that swallows its vomit. The statement underlines that the believers should not do such a reprehensible act, in which we resemble animals. This simile is rarely used in the Laws of Islam texts, which indicates the gravity and heinousness of such act. The Prophet ﷺ likened it to vomit rather than any other impurity to reflect how disgusting and repugnant that is; it is quite revolting for a person to swallow his vomit, and one should detest and find it equally revolting to take back his gifts.
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2624
‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ubaydullaah ibn Abee Maleekah narrated that the tribe of Suhayb, the freed slave of Ibn Jud‘aan, laid claim to two houses and a room that they claimed that the Prophet ﷺ had given to Suhayb. Marwaan said: "Who will testify as witness on your behalf?" They said: "Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).” So, they called him, and he corroborated their claim that the Prophet ﷺ gave Suhayb two houses and a room. Marwaan based his judgment on Ibn ‘Umar's testimony.".

Commentary :
The settlement of people’s disputes is a great role and Islam has strictly regulated the judiciary process and sternly warns against the gravity of passing judgments and rulings without knowledge or acting on one’s sinful desires. Hence, a ruler is enjoined to be substantive (and firm) when settling disputes and adjudicating allegations.
In this hadeeth, the Taabi’ee (a Muslim who saw at least one of the Companions) ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ubaydullaah ibn Abee Maleekah narrated regarding the tribe of Suhayb ibn Sinaan Al-Roomee (may Allah be pleased with him), the freed slave of ‘Abdullah ibn Jud‘aan who had bought and freed him. The tribe of Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him) laid claim to two houses and a room that they claimed that the Prophet ﷺ had given to Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him). A house referred to a roofed building and it translates into Bayt in Arabic because it the place where one spends the night (as denoted by the Arabic term); a room is one section of a house. The tribe of Suhayb referred to his children and descendants: Hamzah, Sa‘d, Saalih, Sayfee, ‘Abbaad, ‘Uthmaan, Habeeb, and Muhammad. They claimed these two houses and room and argued that the Prophet ﷺ had given them to their father (may Allah be pleased with him), and that they had inherited them from him. Marwaan ibn Al-Hakam, the governor of Al-Madeenah appointed by Mu‘aawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him), requested that they should provide substantial proofs to support their claim. He said, "Who will testify as witness on your behalf?" It is possible that two of them referred the dispute to the governor and the rest of them gave their consent to it. Marwaan addressed the two claimants, as suggested by the wording of the Arabic text, and they said: "Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).” Marwaan called for Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to testify, and he corroborated their claim that the Prophet ﷺ had given Suhayb (may Allah be pleased with him) the two houses and a room. The wording of the Arabic text indicates that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) took an oath affirming their claim. Thereupon, Marwaan based his judgment on Ibn ‘Umar's testimony, and gave them the two houses and room. It was also said that he passed his judgment and verdict based on Ibn ‘Umar’s testimony and their oath.
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2625
Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Prophet ﷺgave a verdict that a lifelong gift belongs to the one to whom it was given.
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Commentary :
Islam urged interdependence, solidarity, and cooperation between people. The enjoined interdependence and solidarity take many forms, such as Zakaah, charity, and gifts, one of which is lifelong gifts.
In this hadeeth, Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ gave a verdict that a lifelong gift belongs to the one to whom it was given. An example of a lifelong gift is when someone says to another, “My house is now yours as long as I should live,” or “You may reside in my house until I die.” This gift is binding as per the laws of Islam and it is impermissible for the gift-giver to take it back and annul the gift. This is the case when the gift-giver offers the recipient the gift without stipulating any conditions that it should be returned to him after a specified period of time. For example, a person might say, ‘I gift you my house as long as you should live,” or “throughout your life,” or any similar wording indicating the same meaning. Such wordings are indicative of lifelong gifts. The gifted property becomes the property of the beneficiary or receiver and his or her heirs afterward, according to the verdict of the Prophet ﷺ. In the same vein, the Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone gives a life-tenancy it goes to the one to whom it is given, both during his lifetime and after his death, and to his descendants (heirs).” [Muslim].
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2626
It was narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said, "The ‘Umraee (i.e., lifelong gift) is permissible." ‘Ataa’ said, "Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the same to me on the authority of the Prophet ﷺ.”
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Commentary :
Islam has urged interdependence, solidarity, and cooperation between people. The enjoined interdependence and solidarity take many forms, such as Zakaah, charity, and gifts, one of which is lifelong gifts.
This hadeeth highlights the permissibility of lifelong gifts.  An example of such gifts is when someone says to another, “My house is now yours as long as I should live,” or “You may reside in my house until I die.” This gift is binding as per the laws of Islam, and it is impermissible for the gift-giver to take it back and annul the gift. This is the case when the gift-giver offers the recipient the gift without stipulating any conditions that it should be returned to him after a specified period of time. For example, a person might say, ‘I gift you my house as long as you should live,” or “throughout your life,” or any similar wording indicating the same meaning. Such wordings are indicative of lifelong gifts. The gifted property becomes the property of the beneficiary or receipt and his or her heirs afterward, according to the verdict of the Prophet ﷺ. In the same vein, the Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone gives a life-tenancy it goes to the one to whom it is given, both during his lifetime and after his death, and to his descendants (heirs).” [Muslim].

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2628
Ayman narrated:
I went to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and she was wearing a coarse dress costing five Dirhams. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "Look up and see my slave-girl who refuses to wear it in the house though during the lifetime of Allah's MessengerﷺI had a similar dress which no woman desiring to appear elegant (before her husband) failed to borrow from me."
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Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with him) devoted their good deeds exclusively to Allah, Exalted is He, aspiring to His rewards only rather than worldly gains. Thus, Allah, Exalted is He, caused them to be the means to perfect the divine light of guidance bestowed upon humanity through the Prophet ﷺ, and rewarded them by conferring upon them abundant wealth and blessings.
In this hadeeth, Ayman Al-Habashee Al-Makhzoomee narrated that he went to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) while she was wearing a coarse dress costing five Dirhams. The Arabic word used in the hadeeth is Qitr, which referred to a reddish coarse cotton dress from Yemen. It was also said that Qitr meant a dress made of a coarse fabric or cotton in particular. Another saying was that the name Qitr was derived from a village in Bahrain called Qatar. The point is that such a dress was coarse, and its price was about five Dirhams (of silver). ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) disapprovingly said, “Look up and see my slave-girl who refuses to wear it in the house,” meaning that she looked down on such an inexpensive dress in the house. She (may Allah be pleased with her) then described the changed conditions in comparison to her past life conditions during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. She added that during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger ﷺ she had a similar dress that the women of Al-Madeenah admired so much that no woman desiring to appear elegant (before her husband in their wedding) failed to borrow from her, since people were less fortunate and had smaller properties, and therefore perceived such inexpensive dress as elegant and expensive at that time.
This underlines the changed life conditions and the riches acquired by Muslims after the conquests. Women used to borrow such a coarse dress to beautify themselves for their husbands in weddings, but ‘Aa’ishah’s slave-girl refused to wear such a dress in the house!
It is deduced from the hadeeth that it is allowable to lend and borrow clothes, and the same goes for other precious jewelry and jewels for a bride and others.
It is also inferred therefrom that a woman may wear elegant dresses inside her home and what some servants may wear.
It also highlights the humbleness of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) and the fact that she renounced worldly pleasures at times when she (may Allah be pleased with her) was given wealth.
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1108
‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah reported that he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "Can a fasting person kiss?" The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "Ask her" (’Umm Salamah). So, she informed him that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would do that. Thereupon, he said: "O Messenger of Allah, Allah forgave your past and future sins for you." Whereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "Indeed, by Allah, I am the most heedful and fearful of Allah among you.".

Commentary : Fasting has specific rulings that a Muslim must know and act upon. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) demonstrated its obligatory elements, Sunnahs, and disliked things verbally and physically.
In this Hadīth, ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him), the foster son of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), relates that he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "Can a fasting person kiss" his wife or a woman lawful for him during the daytime of Ramadan without his fast being invalidated due to that? Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "Ask this" i.e., ’Umm Salamah, who is the mother of ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with them). So, she informed him that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would kiss his wives while he was fasting. Thereupon, he said: "O Messenger of Allah, Allah forgave your past and future sins for you" i.e., this is one of your peculiar traits and you are not blameworthy in what you do, for Allah forgave your past and future sins. In response, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "Indeed, by Allah, I am the most heedful and fearful of Allah among you" i.e., I am the most knowledgeable among you of what I do in heedfulness of Allah Almighty and the most fearful among you of His punishment. So, how would you think of me, or see it as possible, that I may engage in something prohibited?! This denotes criticism of those who thought he might fall short in worship due to reliance upon the forgiveness of his sins.
It is said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) referred 'Umar ibn Abi Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him), concerning this question, to his mother, whereas during Jāhiliyyah, a person would not allude to the son or brother of his wife that he kissed or approached her intimately. And indeed, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) is more exalted with regard to refraining from that. But, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to point out that their refrainment from that during Jāhiliyyah was frivolous behavior on their part and unrelated to the Shariah. So, he referred him to his mother.
The Hadīth indicates that kissing during the fast is not part of the peculiar traits of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)..

1110
‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: that a man came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), asking him for a Fatwa while she was hearing from behind the door, he said: "O Messenger of Allah, the prayer becomes due upon me while I am Junub (ritually impure); should I fast?" The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The prayer also becomes due upon me while I am Junub, and I observe fast." He said: "You are not like us, O Messenger of Allah, for Allah forgave your past and future sins for you." Thereupon, he said: "By Allah, I hope I am the most fearful of Allah among you and the most knowledgeable among you of the things I should be heedful of.".

Commentary : Fasting has specific rulings that a Muslim must know and act upon. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) demonstrated its obligatory elements, Sunnahs, and disliked things by words and deeds.
In this Hadīth, the Mother of the Believers ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that a man came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asking him about something relating to the purification of the fasting person from Janābah (major ritual impurity). Meanwhile, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was behind the door, hearing. The man told the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) that the Fajr prayer would sometimes become due while he was Junub; so, should he observe fast while in this state of Janābah and take a bath after that? Janābah refers to the state after someone ejaculates semen or engages in sexual intercourse. It is called such because of Ijtināb (avoidance) of prayer and worship till getting purified from it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "The prayer also becomes due upon me while I am Junub, and I observe fast." He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) responded to him by action, for it is more profound than saying: Take a bath and observe fast. This demonstrates the legitimacy of fasting by a Junub person before he bathes. This is because the occurrence of Janābah before Fajr does not prevent the intention of fasting or make it invalid. The man said: "You are not like us, O Messenger of Allah, for Allah forgave your past and future sins for you" i.e., this is one of your peculiar traits, and you are not to blame for what you do. In the version by Abu Dāwūd: "So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got angry." Indeed, he (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) got angry because this man regarded that as a peculiar trait for him without knowledge, though the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) informed him about his action in response to his question. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: "By Allah, I hope I am the most fearful of Allah among you", i.e., that I am the most fearful among you of His punishment, "and the most knowledgeable among you of the things I should be heedful of" i.e., that I am the most knowledgeable among you of that by which I heed Allah Almighty. The hope of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would surely materialize, by consensus. This involves criticism of those who attribute to him neglect in worship for reliance upon the forgiveness of his sins..

1114
Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) left for Makkah during the year of the Conquest, in Ramadan, and he fasted until he reached Kurā‘ al-Ghamīm, and so the people fasted. Then, he called for a cup of water, which he elevated so that the people could see it, and then he drank. Afterwards, it was said to him: Some of the people fasted. Thereupon, he said: "Those are the disobedient ones, those are the disobedient ones." [Another version adds]: It was said to him: Fasting has become too difficult for the people, and indeed they are watching you to see what you will do. So, he called for a cup of water after ‘Asr..

Commentary : Jihad and being in a battle are among the situations that require all the meanings of good health and strength, particularly upon encountering the enemy. A traveler is given a dispensation not to fast, so that he can have the strength to travel. And there is a greater reason for refraining from fasting during Jihad, as it needs more strength.
In this Hadīth, Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) set out during the year of the Conquest, in 8 A.H., intending to conquer Makkah, during Ramadan. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and the army with him were fasting, until he reached "Kurā‘ al-Ghamīm", the name of a place between Makkah and Madīnah. Al-Ghamīm: a valley 8 miles (nearly 13km) opposite ‘Usfān, and 64km away from Makkah on the way to Madīnah. It is known today as Barqā’ al-Ghamīm. Al-Kurā‘: a black mountain connected to it.
When he arrived there, he called for a cup of water and raised it to his mouth until the people looked at him. In a version: "Fasting has become too difficult for the people, and indeed they are watching you to see what you will do" in terms of fasting or breaking the fast. "So, he called for a cup of water after ‘Asr." This version clarifies that fasting exhausted the people and they were waiting for the Prophet's order regarding this matter. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) called for water after ‘Asr and drank from it, so that the people would follow his example and break their fast. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sought leniency and ease for them, in line with the verse that reads: {But if anyone is ill or on a journey, he should make up for those days. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 185] Allah Almighty informs that, by breaking the fast during travel, He wants to facilitate things for His servants.
Thereafter, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was told that some of the people fasted. Thereupon, he said: "Those are the disobedient ones; those are the disobedient ones." This is because when he gives a command, it must be observed. He would sometimes give commands by his statements and sometimes by his actions. So, when he broke the fast, this constituted a command, indicated by his very condition, aimed at giving a dispensation, so that he could draw strength from breaking the fast and be able to engage in the Jihad he set out for. When those people renounced his action, they were extremely wrong. If they thought that their observance of the fast was better than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) breaking the fast, this sufficed as an error and lack of understanding on their part. And if they were not aware that their breaking of the fast would make them more capable of Jihad, this was a poor understanding from them. Hence, they were labeled as disobedient because, by doing so, they violated the Shariah and were not flexible to accept it. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) repeated his statement "those are the disobedient ones" for emphasis.
The Hadīth mentions going to battle in Ramadan and the legitimacy of breaking the fast during its daytime, lest the army would be too weak to engage in the war.
It indicates the Prophet's complete mercy and compassion toward his Ummah.
It demonstrates the necessity of following the Prophet's commands and that whoever disobeys him, due to any standpoint, becomes a disobedient person.
It shows the leniency of Islam and the ease of its obligations, as it sanctions breaking the fast for travelers.
As it points to the permissibility of breaking the fast during the daytime for a person who intends to fast from the night if something unexpected occurs to him..

1120
Qaz‘ah reported: I came to Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) and he was surrounded by people, and when they dispersed, I said to him: "I am not going to ask you about what these people were asking." I asked him about fasting during travel. He said: We traveled with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to Makkah while we were fasting. We halted at a place. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "You have neared your enemy and breaking the fast will give you greater strength." This was a dispensation. So, some of us continued to observe the fast and some of us broke it. Then, we stopped at another place, and he said: "You are going to encounter the enemy in the morning and breaking the fast will give you greater strength; so, break the fast." This was stressful; so, we broke the fast. Then, he said: I saw us observing the fast with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during travel after that..

Commentary : Traveling and encountering the enemy are among the things that require physical strength to endure hardships and difficulties. This Hadīth demonstrates some of the dispensations and determinations related to travel by observing the fast therein or breaking it, and the dispensations and determinations upon encountering the enemy in the month of Ramadan and during fasting. The Tābi‘i Qaz‘ah ibn Yahya al-Basri says that he came to Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) "and he was surrounded by people" i.e., a lot of people were around him learning and benefiting from his narration of Hadīths. When the people dispersed and departed, he said to Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him): I will not ask you about the matters people ask you about. He probably meant that his question was not addressed by Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) before that or no one in this gathering asked him about it. He asked him about the ruling on fasting during travel and the involved dispensations or determinations. Demonstrating their conditions during travel along with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) informed him that they began their journey from Madīnah for the Conquest of Makkah while fasting during the month of Ramadan. When they stopped at some place for rest, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) told them that they came near the enemy and the war, and that breaking the fast would give them greater strength, as encountering the enemy requires strength, and breaking the fast achieves this purpose more than fasting. This indicates that maintaining strength by refraining from fasting is better for someone expecting to face the enemy.
His statement: "This was a dispensation" means that they did not take this statement as denoting a binding command for breaking the fast or asking for that firmly. Rather, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) noted that breaking the fast is more appropriate for those apprehensive of weakness. So, some of them observed the fast and some others broke it.
Then, they halted at another place for rest. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to them: "You are going to encounter the enemy in the morning" i.e., you will attack them in the morning. "and breaking the fast will give you greater strength; so, break the fast." Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "This situation was stressful" i.e., they took his command to break the fast as denoting emphasis and necessity. So, they all broke the fast. This shows that the Companions would understand the objectives of the Prophet's discourse.
Then, Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) said that they would later fast along with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) during travel, which indicates that the prohibition to observe fasting during their travel for the Conquest of Makkah did not abrogate the permissibility of fasting. Indeed, this is linked to ability and casual circumstances and whether there arises a need for breaking the the fast during travel..

1133
Al-Hakam ibn al-A‘raj reported: I came to Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) while he was using his garment as a pillow near Zamzam and said to him: "Tell me about the fasting of ‘Āshūrā’." He said: "When you see the crescent of Muharram, then count and observe the fast on the ninth day." I said: "Is this how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast it?" He said: 'Yes.'.

Commentary : The day of ‘Āshūrā’ is the tenth day of Muharram. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was keen on fasting the day of ‘Āshūrā’ and he would urge others to fast it. Its fasting was obligatory before Ramadan, and when the fasting of Ramadan was ordained upon the Muslims, only the fasting of Ramadan became the obligatory one, and the fasting of ‘Āshūrā’ became optional; whoever wished could fast it, and whoever wished could leave it.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Al-Hakam ibn al-A‘raj says that he came to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) while he was putting his garment and clothing underneath his head near the well of Zamzam inside the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. He asked Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) about the fasting of the day of ‘Āshūrā’: When should it be observed? Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: When you see the crescent of the month of Muharram and its beginning is verified, start to count the days until you reach the ninth day and observe the fast on it. In other words: Fast the ninth day along with the tenth one. This does not mean that the tenth day should be neglected and only the ninth day should be fasted. Thereupon, Al-Hakam ibn ‘Abbās asked: Did the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) use to fast the ninth day? In reply, Ibn ‘Abbās said: Yes, referring to the Hadīth narrated by Muslim about the Prophet's intention to fast the ninth day along with the tenth one. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If I live to the next year, I will fast the ninth day", lest it would resemble the Jews in fasting the tenth day only. On the merit of fasting this day, a Hadīth narrated in the Sahīh Muslim Collection mentions that it expiates the sins of the preceding year..

1134
‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasted the day of ‘Āshūrā’ and commanded that it be fasted, they said: "O Messenger of Allah, this is a day on which the Jews and the Christians extol." So, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When the next year comes, Allah Willing, we will fast the ninth day." He said: Before the next year came, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) passed away..

Commentary : The day of ‘Āshūrā’ is the tenth day of Muharram, and the Quraysh used to fast it. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madīnah, he fasted it as a usual practice and commanded that it be fasted. Its fasting was obligatory before Ramadan, and when the fasting of Ramadan was ordained upon the Muslims, only the fasting of Ramadan became the obligatory one, and the fasting of ‘Āshūrā’ became optional; whoever wished could fast it, and whoever wished could leave it.
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) says that when the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasted the day of ‘Āshūrā’ and enjoined his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to fast it, they said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, this is a day on which the Jews and the Christians extol" by fasting too. This is because it is a day in which Allah saved Moses (Mūsa) (peace be upon him) from Pharaoh and his soldiers. Indeed, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) mentioned that to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) because it was known that he would mostly intend to differ from the Jews and the Christians. In response, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), as narrated in the Two Sahīh Collections, said: "We are more entitled to Moses than them. So, fast it" i.e., by agreeing with him in gratitude to Allah Almighty and feeling happy for his salvation. This is because the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) accords with him over the basis of the religion. As for the Jews, they engaged in distortion, change, and alteration. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) fasted it and commanded the people to fast it. On the merit of fasting this day, a Hadīth narrated in the Sahīh Muslim Collection mentions that it expiates the sins of the preceding year.
Then, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) determined to fast the ninth day along with the tenth one to differ from the People of the Book in their observance of fasting on the tenth day only. Ibn ‘Abbās said that before the following year came, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had passed away.
The Hadīth points out that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to differ from the Jews and the Christians.
It demonstrates the significance of the day of ‘Āshūrā’ and how the Muslims value it highly..

1139
Ziyād ibn Jubayr reported: A man came to Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: "I made a vow to fast a day and it happened to coincide with a day of Ad'ha, or Fitr." Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him: "Allah Almighty enjoined the fulfillment of vows, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting this day.".

Commentary : A vow means that a person obligates himself to do something which the Shariah does not ordain upon him. For example, he says: Upon me is a sacrifice or fasting such and such a day, if Allah cures this ill person of mine. So, it takes the form of stipulating a condition to Allah Almighty.
In this Hadīth, the Tābi‘i Ziyād ibn Jubayr relates that a man came to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and told him that he made a vow to fast a certain day, and this vowed day happened to coincide with the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, or the day of Eid al-Fitr. So, he asked him about what he should do: fast it or not? In response, Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Allah Almighty enjoined the fulfillment of vows," which occurs in the verse that reads: {and fulfill their vows.} [Surat al-Hajj: 29] "and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting this day" i.e., fasting the two days of the two Eids. He forbade fasting these two days because they are days of festivity, play, joy, and eating and drinking. Also, Eid al-Fitr is the day of breaking the fast of Ramadan. As for the day of Eid al-Ad'ha, this is intended to enable the Muslim to eat from his sacrificial animal, if he has sacrificed. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) seemed to have refrained from giving a Fatwa on this issue, considering the conflict between the proofs he had. This was done by way of Tawarru‘ (caution) from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and he was known for it. And it is said: Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) clarified to him the general ruling and the specific one. So, he should do both things, namely, to not fast the day of Eid, in compliance with the prohibition by the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), and to fast a day in place of it, given Allah's command to fulfill vows.
The Hadīth contains the command to fulfill vows.
It is prohibited to fast the two days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Ad'ha..

1141
Nubayshah al-Hudhali reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The Days of Tashrīq are days of eating and drinking." [Another version adds: "and remembrance of Allah."].

Commentary : Islam is the religion of tolerance and ease. It provides much space to the Muslims, so that they can be generous to themselves and their families in eating and drinking during the Eid days.
In this Hadīth, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "The Days of Tashrīq," are the 11th, 12th, and 13th days of Dhul-Hijjah. They were called as such because in these days people used to cure the meat of sacrificial animals and spread them in the sun to dry, which is known as Tashrīq in Arabic. This was their practice during their era. But, nowadays, the meat of sacrificial animals and offerings is available. They are "days of eating and drinking;" so, people should eat, drink, and not observe fasting therein. They should also remember Allah, supplicate to Him, and show gratitude to Him for the sustenance and guidance He has bestowed upon them.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting during the Days of Tashrīq. For example, in a Hadīth narrated by Al-Bukhāri in his Sahīh Collection, Ibn ‘Umar and ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: "No permission was given for fasting during the Days of Tashrīq except for someone who cannot afford the sacrificial animal," i.e., to the performer of Tamattu‘ or Qirān Hajj who cannot afford the sacrificial animal. This represents flexibility for the people.
In the prohibition of fasting these days and the command to eat and drink lies a good reason. Since Allah Almighty knows that those who come to His House undergo hardships during travel, tiredness because of Ihrām, and self-struggle while performing the rituals, He prescribed rest for them after that, by staying at Mina on the Day of Nahr and three subsequent days. And He ordered them to eat from the meat of sacrificial animals out of His kindness and mercy towards them, for they are the guests of Allah Almighty therein. He also included the people of other countries with them, for they join them in undergoing hardships for the sake of Allah Almighty, like the hard work they endure during the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, as they observe fasting, remember Allah, and worship diligently, and in seeking closeness to Allah by slaughtering sacrifices and in the attainment of forgiveness. So, they join them in their Eids, and everyone shares rest by eating and drinking. Thus, all Muslims become the guests of Allah Almighty during these days, eating from His sustenance and showing gratitude to Him for His grace. And since it does not befit the Most Generous to let His guests go hungry, they were forbidden to fast these days..

1142
Ka‘b ibn Mālik reported: that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent him and Aws ibn al-Hadathān during the days of Tashrīq to announce that none will enter Paradise except a believer, and the days of Mina are days of eating and drinking..

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to clarify to the Muslims the matters of the religion and give them good news that would gladden them due to the great rewards for the deeds in Islam. He would also demonstrate to them the ease of the religion and how it cares about people's conditions.
In this Hadīth, Ka‘b ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) sent him along with Aws ibn al-Hadathān during the days of Tashrīq, which are the three days that follow the day of Nahr (slaughter), namely the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. They were given this name because of people's Tashrīq (cutting into long narrow strips) of the meat of sacrificial animals, as they would cut the meat into strips and leave them to dry in the sun. This was their situation in the early stage of Islam. They are also known as the days of Mina. He commanded them to announce to the pilgrims in the Sacred Precincts that "none will enter Paradise except a believer" i.e., none will enter Paradise except those who believe in Allah, testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and act according to this Īmān. This gives glad tidings to the believers and motivates people to complete the pillars of Īmān so that they can win Paradise. And it warns those who did not embrace Islam, and so that the pilgrims will return to their countries and warn the polytheists among their people.
He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) instructed them to announce to the people that the days of Mina are days of eating and drinking. These are the days in which the pilgrims stay in the valley of Mina - located nearly 6km away from the Sacred Mosque - to throw the pebbles. They are the appointed days which Allah mentions in the verse that reads: {And remember Allah during the appointed days. But whoever hastens to depart [Mina] on the second day, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays [until the third], there is no sin upon him for those who fear Allah.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 203] During these days, the meat of ’Ud'hiyah (sacrificial animals by non-pilgrims on Eid al-Ad'ha) and Hady (sacrificial animals by pilgrims) is abundantly available. So, let the people eat and drink and mention Allah's name for His provision and guidance to them.
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting the days of Tashrīq. In a Hadīth narrated in the Sahīh Al-Bukhāri Collection, Ibn ‘Umar and ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: It was not permitted to fast on the days of Tashrīq except for those who could not afford the Hady (sacrifice).
The Hadīth mentions that Paradise was prepared for the believers only.
It shows merit for Ka‘b ibn Mālik and Aws ibn al-Hadathān (may Allah be pleased with both of them) and a commendable act by them..

1144
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do not single out the night of Friday from among the nights for performing Qiyām al-Layl. And do not single out Friday from among the days for fasting, unless it coincides with the days one of you regularly fasts.".

Commentary : Acts of worship are among the Tawqīfi matters all of whose actions must be taken from the Shariah, with no addition or omission. And none of them may be singled out for specific times unless it is prescribed in the Shariah.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) forbids that the night of Friday be singled out for Qiyām involving prayer and Dhikr apart from the other nights of the week. He also forbade that Friday be singled out for fasting apart from the other days of the week, unless this coincides with a certain fast a Muslim usually observes, such as when he fasts every other day, and the day he fasts coincides with Friday, or he makes a vow and its time happens to coincide with Friday, or other things that oblige him to observe fasting. In the Two Sahīh Collections: "None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or after it." So, he should fast on Thursday or Saturday along with it. It is said: The prohibition of singling out Friday and its night for these acts aims at differing from the Jews and the Christians, for the Jews hold that Saturday should be singled out for fasting, out of reverence to it, and the Christians hold that Sunday should be singled out for fasting, out of reverence to it, and its night for Qiyām al-Layl. Since Friday occupies a status within this Ummah like the status of these two days within the two groups, it is recommended that our practice be different from theirs in the way of revering this day..

1148
Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, my mother passed away and she took an oath to fast, should I fast on her behalf?" He said: "Tell me, if there was a debt due on your mother and you settled it, would it be valid on her behalf?" She replied: 'Yes.' He said: "So, fast on behalf of your mother.".

Commentary : A vow is an act of worship and piety that should not be devoted to anyone other than Allah. In His glorious Book, Allah Almighty praised His pious servants and promised them the reward. Among their attributes which He mentioned is their fulfillment of vows. He says: {They fulfill their vows.} [Surat al-Insān: 7]
In this Hadīth, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that a woman came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asking him about her mother who had made a vow to fast and died before fulfilling her vow: Is it valid for her to fast on behalf of her mother? The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: "Tell me, if there was a debt due on your mother and you settled it, would it be valid on her behalf?" This is an affirmative question. She replied: 'Yes, it settles on her behalf.' He said: "So, fast on behalf of your mother." The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) likened fasting due upon a woman who died and left a debt, which must be paid because it is a right to human beings, whereas the vow is a right to Allah Almighty. So, the fulfillment of His right, Exalted be He, is more significant and proper than the fulfillment of the right of humans, for Allah is more worthy of fulfillment. It is narrated in some narrations by Al-Bukhāri and in the Two Sahīh Collections that ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever dies while some fast is due on him, his guardian should fast on his behalf." Walī (guardian): It refers to one's male relatives such as the fathers and sons. If the guardian does not observe the fast on his behalf, he should feed a poor person in return for each day of the fast. Thereby, the deceased person's duty is fulfilled, as the guardian's discharge of this duty is tantamount to his own discharge of it. This applies if the deceased person was able to fulfill the duty at its time or later but failed to do so. But if he dies before being able to make up for the missed fast - like the case of a person whose illness lingers until he dies - then there is nothing due on him, and his guardians are not required to fast or feed the poor on his behalf.
In the Hadīth: It is permissible to fast on behalf of the dead.
And in it: It is permissible to fulfill vows on behalf of the dead.
And in it: Giving parables and analogical comparisons to make the topic clearer and more profound to those who hear it.
And in it: Showing kindness to one's parents by the fulfillment of their vows and debts..

1149
Buraydah reported: While I was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), a woman came to him and said: "I gave a maidservant to my mother in charity, and she died." He said: "Your reward became due, and the inheritance has returned her to you." She said: "O Messenger of Allah, a month of fasting was due on her; shall I fast on her behalf?" He said: "Fast on her behalf." She said: "She never performed Hajj; shall I perform Hajj on her behalf?" He said: "Perform Hajj on her behalf." [In a version]: Fast two months..

Commentary : The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to ask the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) for Fatwas on many of their acts of worship and dealings, and he would give them Fatwas and clarify the right aspects to them.
In this Hadīth, Buraydah ibn al-Husayb al-Aslami (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that as he was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) one day, a woman came to him and told him that she gave a maidservant - a female slave - as charity to her mother during her lifetime, and she transferred her to her ownership through this charity. Then, her mother died and left behind this maidservant as part of her overall wealth, and her sole inheritor was her daughter. So, does she have the right to take the maidservant back to her ownership through inheritance, or not? So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: "Your reward became due," i.e., your reward is established with Allah by upholding the ties with your mother and giving charity to her, and the maidservant was brought back to you by the inheritance from your mother, a reason in which you have no part. So, this does not detract from the reward for charity, and it is not regarded as retracting the charity or gift, because this is not optional.
Then, the questioner said that a month of fasting was due on her mother - and in a version: "two months" - and asked whether she could fast on her behalf. He did not point out whether this was the fasting of Ramadan, a vow, or an expiation. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: "Fast on her behalf," i.e., make up for the days missed by your mother on her behalf, for this is a debt due upon her, and the debt of Allah is more worthy of being repaid. According to a version in the Two Sahīh Collections, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) likened the fasting due on a deceased person to a debt, which is payable, for this is a right to human beings; whereas the due fasting - be it related to Ramadan, a vow, or an expiation - is a right to Allah Almighty. So, the fulfillment of Allah's right is more significant and worthy than the fulfillment of the right of human beings; indeed, Allah is more entitled to repayment, as related in some versions by Al-Bukhāri. And in a Hadīth in the Two Sahīh Collections, ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever dies while some fast is still due on him, his heir should fast on his behalf." Heirs here refer to male relatives, such as fathers and sons. If the heir does not observe the missed fast on his behalf, he may feed one poor person in return for each day of a missed fast. Thus, this obligation ceases to be due on the deceased person. The observance of this missed fast by the heir is tantamount to the deceased person himself making up for this fast. This applies in case the deceased person was able to observe the fast or make up for it, yet he did not do that. As for someone who dies before being able to make up for the missed fast - like a person who remains ill until he dies - there is nothing due on him, and their heirs should not observe the missed fast, or feed poor people, on his behalf.
Then, the woman informed him that her mother died while she had never performed Hajj. This seems to indicate that she was able to perform Hajj, and so it was due on her. This is because Hajj ceases to be due on anyone who is not able to perform it. But she did not perform Hajj. So, is it valid to perform Hajj on her behalf? The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: "Perform Hajj on her behalf." Perhaps it can be understood from the Prophet's permission to her to perform Hajj on behalf of her mother that the woman had already performed Hajj for herself and then she wanted to perform Hajj on behalf of her mother, based on a Hadīth narrated by Abu Dāwūd, in which Ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) heard a man say: "Labbayk on behalf of Shubrumah." He said: "Who is Shubrumah?" He said: "A brother of mine," or "a relative of mine." He said: "Did you perform Hajj for yourself?" He said: 'No.' Thereupon, he said: "Perform Hajj for yourself and then perform Hajj on behalf of Shubrumah." And in the Sahīh Collection of Ibn Khuzaymah: "This is for you, and then perform Hajj on behalf of Shubrumah." If Hajj becomes due on someone and he dies before performing it, and then someone else performs Hajj on his behalf, he is absolved of this obligation. It is likely in light of the bounty and grace of Allah that if an heir performs Hajj on behalf of a deceased person, Allah will forgive the deceased person by virtue of that, give him a reward for it, or not punish him for his negligence.
The Hadīth indicates that if a person gives something in charity and then inherits it, he has the right to take and dispose of it, without his reward diminishing because of that.
It points out that fasting can be observed on behalf of a deceased person.
It also demonstrates that Hajj can be performed on behalf of a deceased person.
The Hadīth indicates that a person can show kindness to his parents by fulfilling their vows and debts..

1150
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If one of you is invited for food while he is fasting, let him say: 'I am fasting.'".

Commentary : The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was keen on maintaining good relations, harmony, and continuous cordiality among the Muslims. Hence, he made the acceptance of an invitation a due right among the Muslims, so that they stay connected and get together.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says: "If one of you is invited to food," i.e., any food, be it a banquet or something else, "while he is fasting" on a supererogatory basis, or making up for a missed fast, or in fulfillment of a vow, he should apologize. Specifically, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) directed the fasting person to clarify his condition: "let him say: 'I am fasting'" in an apology to the inviting person and to inform him that he is fasting and cannot eat from his food.
This is also meant to notify his fellow Muslim who invited him that his abstention is only because of fasting, not that he did not want to eat from his food. It was the habit of the Arabs that if they held evil intentions toward someone, they would not eat from his food. It is narrated in the Sahīh Muslim Collection that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If one of you is invited, let him answer the invitation. If he is fasting, let him supplicate (for the inviter); if he is not fasting, let him eat."
In the Hadīth: There is nothing wrong with revealing voluntary acts of worship - like prayer and fasting - if there is a need for that..

1151
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied, and a single good deed is worth ten to seven hundred times. Allah Almighty said: 'Except for fasting, for indeed it is for Me, and I will give reward for it. He leaves his desires and food for My sake.' For the fasting person, there are two moments of joy: a moment of joy when he breaks his fast, and a moment of joy when he meets his lord. Verily, the Khulūf (unpleasant smell) coming from his mouth is more fragrant with Allah than the smell of musk.".

Commentary : Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah and the most sublime acts of piety whereby a servant seeks closeness to his Almighty Lord. Thus, its reward is immense, and its merit is great. The honor afforded by Allah for the fasting people is ceaseless, for they deprive themselves of food, drink, and sexual relations, and so Allah Almighty gives them from His vast bounty and prefers them over others.
In this Hadīth, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentions that the reward for every act of goodness, righteousness, and worship performed by a Muslim gets multiplied, with a good deed being rewarded tenfold, up to seven hundred fold. Allah Almighty says: {Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded tenfold.} [Surat al-An‘ām: 160] Allah Almighty also says: {The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain that sprouts seven ears, each ear bearing a hundred grains. And Allah gives multiple [rewards] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 261]
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned that Allah Almighty said: "Except for fasting, for indeed it is for Me," i.e., fasting is excluded from these acts whose rewards are multiplied, for the reward of fasting can only be estimated by Allah Almighty. This is because fasting is a secret between a servant and his Lord. "and I will give reward for it," i.e., Allah Almighty is the One Who undertakes this reward and recompense, for the reward of fasting can only be enumerated by Allah, Exalted be He. He did not leave that to His angels. Rather, He undertook the giving of reward for it by Himself, and when Allah undertakes something by Himself, this denotes the immensity of this reward and recompense. This is because the fasting person abandons what his soul desires and the pleasures of food, drink, and copulation which are made lawful by Allah Almighty, in obedience to Allah, Exalted be He, and in pursuit of His love and approval.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) stated that the fasting person has two moments of joy: The First Joy: "a moment of joy when he breaks his fast;" this joy occurs in the worldly life after he ends and breaks the fast and completes the worship, hoping for Allah's reward and bounty. The second joy occurs when he dies and obtains the reward and recompense.
Then, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) swears that "the Khulūf (unpleasant smell) coming from his mouth" - the unusual foul smell that remains, after eating, in the mouth of a fasting person - "is more fragrant," i.e., better to Allah than the smell of musk. There is a difference of opinion regarding the Khulūf being more fragrant to Allah than the smell of musk. It means that it is more fragrant to Allah than the smell of musk to you; or it means that Allah Almighty will reward him in the Hereafter until his smell becomes more fragrant than the smell of musk; or that the person with the Khulūf will obtain a reward better than the smell of musk; or that the Khulūf is more rewardable than musk, which is recommended during Fridays and Eids; or that the angels find the Khulūf more pleasant than the smell of musk.
The Hadīth points out the reward and merit of fasting..

1154
‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), reported: One day the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said to me: "O ‘Ā’ishah, do you have something (to eat)?" I said: "O Messenger of Allah, there is nothing with us." Thereupon, he said: "Then, I am fasting." She said: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went out, and a gift was given to us - or some visitors came in. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came back, I said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, a gift was given to us - or some visitors came in - but I have saved something for you." He said: "What is it?" I said: "Hays." He said: "Bring it." So, I brought it to him, and he ate. Then, he said: "I woke up in the morning while fasting." Talhah said: I narrated this Hadīth to Mujāhid and he said: "This is like a man giving charity out of his wealth. He may spend it if he wills or withhold it if he wills.".

Commentary : This Hadīth reveals one aspect of the Prophet's guidance in intending to fast, if a person did not find food, and breaking the fast if he found food. This stems from the leniency, ease, and flexibility of Islam. ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) one day asked her while being in her house in the morning, according to the version by An-Nasā’i: "O ‘Ā’ishah, do you have anything?" He meant food for him to eat, as related in the wording by Abu Dāwūd. She replied to him that she had no food. Thereupon, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), intending to fast, said: "Then, I am fasting," i.e., I am observing fast and abstaining from food. This indicates the legitimacy of intending to observe supererogatory fasting during the daytime, in case one has not eaten or drunk anything since the Adhān of Fajr.
Then, ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), said that after the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) went out in a state of fasting, a gift of food was given to them - the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would eat from gifted food, unlike food given as charity - or some visitor came to them and brought a gift of food.
When the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) came back to the house of ‘Ā’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), she told him about that and said that she hid part of the food for him to eat, as she knew he wanted to eat. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked her about the kind of food. She said: "Hays", which is a food made from a mixture of butter with dried dates. It is said: Flour or dried milk is added to it. So, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) asked her to bring it for him to eat therefrom. He (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ate from it after having the intention to fast. Therefore, he said after eating: "I woke up in the morning fasting." This was supererogatory fasting. This is a teaching from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) to the Muslims so that they can follow his example.
Talhah ibn Yahya, who narrated the Hadīth from ‘Ā’ishah bint Talhah, said: I narrated this Hadīth narrated by ‘Ā’ishah bint Talhah to Mujāhid ibn Jabr al-Makki, the erudite Imām, and he said: "This is like a man giving charity out of his wealth. He may spend it if he wills or withhold it if he wills," i.e., the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did that because he had free choice regarding supererogatory fasting. This is like a man who intends to give charity from his wealth. If he wills, he can go ahead and give it to the one to whom he intended to give it, and if he wills, he can withhold it and not give it out.
The Hadīth indicates that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) could break the supererogatory fasting at any time of the day.
It shows that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) possessed little of worldly things because he adopted an ascetic approach to the transient worldly pleasures and preferred the bliss of the Hereafter with Allah.
It also suggests that if a person allocates part of his wealth for charity and then reconsiders and decides not to give charity, there is nothing wrong with that..